Weapon Intern Program visits Trinity Site

The Class of 2025’s Weapon Intern Program is in full swing, with 23 participants from across the nuclear security enterprise engaged in the program at Sandia.

The 11-month program includes rigorous coursework, team projects and approximately nine trips to various labs, plants and sites across the enterprise.

“The Weapon Intern Program is one of the only opportunities to see the sites in this depth,” said Matt Wingle, a systems engineer who has led the program for about four years. “You see the entire facility and gain a deep appreciation for the capabilities at each site.”

About a month into the program, and many hours of learning about nuclear deterrence history and policy, the first class trip was to the Trinity Site near Alamogordo in October. This historic site is where scientists tested the first atomic bomb in 1945 as part of the Manhattan Project. It’s only open to the public one day a year.

“You get there, and you’re almost transported back in time to the night of the test,” Matt said. “It humbles you. We think it’s important to go there first.”

Despite working in the nuclear security enterprise, the visit to Trinity was a first for many of the Weapon Intern Program’s participants.

“Nuclear deterrence started at the Trinity Site,” said Zeke Villarreal, who works in nuclear safety at Sandia. “It was sobering to think about my day-to-day job and how it matters.”

Zeke, who has worked at Sandia for about a year, applied to the program early in his career.

“When I entered the nuclear security enterprise, there were many things I didn’t know. I thought having this context would help me do my job better,” Zeke said.

Abby Kerber, a mechanical engineer at the Kansas City National Security Campus, temporarily moved to Albuquerque to participate in the program. It was also her first time visiting the Trinity Site.

“If we had to do that all over again, what would it look like?” she asked, referring to the first atomic bomb test.

“I love learning,” Abby said. “The trip to the Trinity Site brought what we learned in the first month of class full circle.”

Abby and Zeke agree that having participants from at least nine different sites in the nuclear security enterprise is invaluable.

“We’ve bonded as a class. We’re doing group projects,” Zeke said. “Hearing my colleagues’ perspectives helps us grow together. We bring experiences that are valuable now and in the future.”

Abby noted that while it’s impossible to remember everything from the class, she’s taking extensive notes.

“I’m writing down names, and when I have a question, I can refer to my notes and reach out to them for input. The Weapon Intern Program is a great opportunity to make connections,” she said.

For Matt, who has worked in nuclear deterrence for 24 years, watching participants grow in the program is invigorating.

“It’s a grueling program by design. Sometimes it’s more than they think they can handle,” Matt said. “It’s energizing and satisfying to see their progress and the quality of their work.”

This year’s class will conclude in late August.